Are you looking for an avenue to contribute to people who are experiencing memory loss through creative engagement? Do you have 2-4 hours per month? Consider joining our TimeSlips team in presenting TimeSlips, the newest program of NextStage. TimeSlips invites people with memory loss to express themselves and connect with others through creative engagement. Using verbal prompts, images, and imagination, people experiencing memory loss participate in creating a story.

TimeSlips’ trained facilitators, Kathleen McBurney, Judy Birlardello, Sally Shaman-Fogel , Gina Val- Leiva and Lynn Knudsen have been presenting TimeSlips at Elderday since the Fall of 2015. During this time, over 150 participants created unique and improvisational stories led by our volunteer facilitators. It’s rewarding and fun for all involved, including the facilitators. We laugh, we sing, and we move! Here’s an excerpt from one of the stories:

A Ride to the Zoo

“The lady and monkey are friends and excited about taking the plane ride.

The picture was taken right before the plane landed.

Why?

They are going to do the zoo ride and see all the faces of the animals.”

Lois Sones, Program Director at Elderday affirms, “Even from people with significant dementia, we have seen such bright, creative responses, and each person’s response is always acknowledged and appreciated by the leaders. It really is a lot of fun to see the happy looks on our participants’ faces when they take part in creating a TimeSlips story!”

We are actively seeking volunteers to expand TimeSlips in Santa Cruz County. Online training leads to certification as a TimeSlips facilitator. If you wish to learn more about TimeSlips, call 831-316-4833 or visit www.nextstagesantacruz.org.